Efficiency of Supply Chain Flexibility

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

The study has focused on the supply chain flexibility in case of Dell. The Dell is one of the most competitive companies engaged in the business operation of the personal computers. The company has developed the direct build to order model for the sales that has been followed for 20 years now. The efficient system of the supply chain and the direct order system have given competitive advantage to the company. The customers can place their orders directly to the company through the websites and the phone. The supply chain management in Dell is considered to be very different as compare to other corporations. As the customers are very clever and smart in today's world, the company has introduced several products in the past in order to attract the customers. The reason behind introducing such changes in the products is to attract the customers so that the productivity can be enhanced and high levels of profits can be generated. The supply chain needs to be represented in the way that there are more options available to the firms. The flexibility of the supply chain can be assessed by observing the supply chain process of the company. The company has implemented effective supply chain process that has enhanced the process of the inventory. As the flexibility of the supply chain implies that the company should be able to meet the challenges of the demand and supply that occurs in the market every now and then. The fluctuation in the supply and demand must be met by the company if it has effective supply chain flexibility

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT2

DECLARATION3

ABSTRACT4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION6

Background of the Research Study6

Aims and Objectives of the research study6

Significance of the Research Study7

Rationale of the Research Study8

Research Questions8

Structure of the thesis9

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW11

Logistics Management11

Supply Chain Management (SCM)11

Evolution of Supply Chain Management13

Strategic Objective of the Supply Chain15

Flexibility in Supply Chain15

Overview of Dell17

Current Position of Dell19

Supply Chain Management in Dell20

Challenges faced by the Supply Chain of Dell23

Assessment of Supply Chain flexibility in Dell24

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY26

Introduction26

Research Design27

The Research Process28

Rationale for a Quantitative Research28

Rationale for a Qualitative Research29

Search for and compilation of empirical information29

Secondary Data29

Primary Data30

Data Analysis Methods31

Literature review31

Analysis, Conclusion and Recommendation32

Scope of the Research33

Ethical Measures33

Underlying assumption35

Possible alternative to your proposed methods35

Any difficulties and uncertainties35

Explanation of the rationale for your proposed methods36

Informed Consent36

Confidentiality36

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS38

Findings of Literature Review38

Supply Chain Management38

Pillars of the Flexible Supply Chain40

Strategies of Dell40

Supply Chain Management at Dell41

Flexibility of Supply Chain in Dell42

Findings of the Primary Research42

Framework of the Supply Chain Flexibility43

Effect of Supply chain flexibility on Company's Performance43

Recommendations44

Contributions44

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